37
CLAIRE
Today is my birthday, and I refuse to tell anyone.
I’ve never been a huge fan of them. The whole not having a mom thing made it a little weird. Don’t get me wrong, my dad did his best to throw me age-appropriate parties, but it got to the point where he was just overcompensating for her absence and it made things weird. After a while, I convinced him I was too old for the stuff he had planned, and that I would celebrate with my friends.
He seemed relieved, honestly. Like it was this burden he wasn’t sure how to tackle, and me finally pulling the plug meant he was off the hook. I didn’t resent him for it—truthfully, I was glad to have the attention shifted away from me.
Johnny wraps his arms around my waist. “You want to celebrate at Bram’s tonight?”
It takes me a second to realize what the heck he’s talking about. “Of course.” I hold onto him even though I have to let him go soon if he stands any chance of getting to the courthouse on time.
A wave of pride courses over me at seeing him so damn close to the finish line he’s sacrificed almost too much for. He put his entire life on the back burner to save an innocent kid and to protect his future. It’s noble, honorable, and totally selfless. This cruel world doesn’t deserve a man like Johnny.
Hell, I’m incredibly grateful he decided to pay me any notice.
“I’m gonna miss you.” Johnny hugs me tighter and kisses my face. “You sure you’re going to be okay?”
“I’ll be fine.” I pry him away from me. “Text me when you get there, all right?”
Johnny sighs and releases me, stepping back to smooth out his dark gray dress shirt.
I step forward and adjust his tie. “You look handsome.”
He runs his hand through his hair, further proving my point. Johnny is hands-down one of the most gorgeous humans I’ve ever laid my eyes on. Something about that dark hair that makes his piercing green eyes really pop. Plus the simple fact that I’m absolutely enamored by him.
“You studying while I’m gone?” Johnny slides his wallet into his back pocket.
I nod. “Yep.” It’s not a complete lie, but it’s not the whole truth.
There’s something that’s been nagging me for a while now, and with Johnny occupied with the custody hearing, I’m finally presented with the opportunity to follow through with my idea.
“Okay…call me if you need me?” Johnny hesitates by the front door.
“Of course.” I open it for him. “Now get this over with so we can have celebratory pancakes for dinner later.”
Johnny’s lips part like he’s going to say something, and for a slight second, I think it’s going to be those three words I’m dying to hear. Instead, he replies, “Deal.”
I lean against the door while he walks down the stairs and through the courtyard. As far as we know, Billy’s uncle has no idea that Johnny is going to be a witness in their hearing today, and since it’s not for another few hours, he shouldn’t put it together, even if he does see Johnny leaving the building.
The plan has been perfectly executed, and now, all that’s left is to win.
Although, I think it was such a pipedream that Johnny really hasn’t mentioned what happens next. I’m not totally sure he knows.
Once Johnny is outside the complex, I make my way over to his couch. I fumble through the notebooks on the table and slide out the paper I’ve been keeping from him.
The acceptance letter for the scholarship I was desperate to get. The one that will allow me to return to the East Coast and finish college in my hometown, where I always planned to go.
Only now, everything has changed.
I’ve changed.
If I told him, he'd insist that I go. I'm not sure he'd take no for an answer. And the thought of leaving Johnny behind is almost too much to bear. I couldn't imagine asking him to uproot his life and come with me, which leaves only one viable option: I forfeit the prize and give it to the runner-up. Meaning I stay here, with him.
My education would be covered by my egg-donor mom’s job, and if I remain living here, my expenses wouldn’t be more than I could handle. I could keep my part-time gig at Bram’s and potentially pursue intern options in the area to figure out which path to take for my career.
I could make sure Johnny finishes his degree and does something with his life other than what he’s doing now. Rosie could visit, and I could save up and see her on breaks. She’d love it here, with the warm weather and much bigger pool of single guys.